3 of the best moments of Valentina Shevchenko’s career

3 of the best moments of Valentina Shevchenko's career

As a gamer who’s spent countless hours navigating the virtual world of MMA, I can confidently say that Valentina Shevchenko’s journey is one for the history books. Her career has been a rollercoaster ride filled with highs and lows, but it’s her resilience that truly sets her apart.

On September 14th, Valentina Shevchenko is set to face one of her most significant battles in her career. This fight will occur as the co-main event of UFC 306. Notably, she’ll be squaring off against Alexa Grasso again, following their draw during the initial UFC night last year.

Over many years, Shevchenko was widely recognized as one of the top female fighters globally. Her unique fighting style, a harmonious fusion of Muay Thai and judo, was rarely matched by opponents. This style proved advantageous in her bantamweight division, where she provided Amanda Nunes with some of her toughest fights ever contested. Similarly impressive was her reign at flyweight, where she reigned supreme as an unconquerable queen.

In the world of UFC, I reigned supreme for over eight years, successfully defending my title an impressive seven times. But then, at UFC 285, things took a shocking turn. I was heavily favored against Grasso, who was seen as just another underdog destined to lose. Yet, despite her being on a solid four-win streak, many dismissed her as another overmatched opponent.

The result was a disputed draw in their rematch, which many considered questionable. Shevchenko has consistently expressed her belief that she would have emerged victorious if not for a judge’s error. A year later, at 36 years old, it seems her time as an elite fighter within the Octagon may be dwindling.

A defeat might mean the termination of her professional journey; however, supporters can reminisce about a career filled with such memorable instances.

3. Submitting Julianna Pena

Back in late 2015, I made my UFC debut against Sarah Kaufman, but women’s flyweight wasn’t around yet. Like many other female fighters, I had to compete at bantamweight. However, size didn’t deter me, as I leveraged my exceptional Muay Thai abilities to secure a split decision victory.

After one bout, she found herself headlining the highly anticipated event, UFC 196, facing off against Amanda Nunes. Although she suffered a loss via split decision, her determination impressed spectators, suggesting she would reemerge as a leading challenger in no time.

Her aspirations came true as she skillfully outmatched and outclassed Holly Holm, the former champion, in their subsequent fight, which was the main event on Fox. Now, part of the top tier in the 135-pound division, she only needed to secure one more victory to arrange a rematch with Nunes: specifically against Julianna Pena, winner of The Ultimate Fighter 18.

In her second consecutive main event for Fox, Shevchenko faced a potential loss. She was subjected to brutal knee attacks during clinches and nearly submitted in the first round via armbar. However, she managed to regain her control in the second round and secured an armbar with just a minute left. This victory solidified her position as the undisputed top contender.

2. Knocking out Jessica Eye with a head kick

Indeed, that bantamweight title opportunity at UFC 215 resulted in a defeat. However, another notable occurrence was just around the corner: the emergence of women’s flyweight. Scarcely five months after her second loss to Nunes, Shevchenko moved down ten pounds and decisively defeated Priscila Cachoeira, making a powerful statement.

Ten months following that fight, she clinched the title. For her initial defense, she faced Jessica Eye at UFC 238. Similar to Shevchenko, Eye had been competing in the bantamweight class due to necessity, but moving back to her natural division appeared to rejuvenate her: she secured three consecutive victories within a year, positioning herself as the strongest contender for a title shot.

A lot can be discussed regarding that winning series, such as how it wasn’t thrilling because of the division conflicts and fights during that period; however, a streak is a streak, and she certainly earned the chance to win. Regrettably, not even donning a protective vest prior to the fight offered any protection for her.

As usual, I was the heavy favorite going into the fight, and boy did I deliver! In the first round, I systematically broke down my less-renowned opponent with powerful body kicks and tactical takedowns. The second round saw me landing another crushing body kick, then setting her up with a feint before catching her off guard with an unexpected high kick to the temple, courtesy of my left leg.

At that moment, he was unconscious, so no further action was necessary. This incident, particularly for the women’s flyweight division, sent a clear signal: the champion was not going anywhere, and was poised to rule for an extended period.

1. Pounding out Jessica Andrade

Previously mentioned, Shevchenko held the title for a total of seven times; some bouts were less noteworthy, while others stood out. Yet, none can compare to her remarkable victory against Jessica Andrade at UFC 261, which undeniably stands as her greatest achievement during her reign.

By the year 2020, spectators were beginning to find her rule monotonous. Following her victory, Shevchenko contested again in the Octagon just two months later, headlining a Uruguay event against Liz Carmouche, who had controversially won due to a doctor’s stoppage against her back in 2010. The fight resembled her unsuccessful attempt at the bantamweight title – it was prolonged and lacked excitement.

At UFC 247, the next challenger was Katlyn Chookagian. Despite her size advantage, she struggled against her opponent. Eventually, she was forced to concede due to a crucifix Technical Knockout. Fans felt that women’s flyweight needed more excitement, and they found it at the October Fight Island event, where they received an engaging match-up.

As a passionate admirer, I’d rephrase it like this: After my second defeat against Rose Namajunas at strawweight, I chose to test my mettle in the heavier division and was matched against Chookagian. With just a few well-placed body strikes, I managed to wrap up the fight within the first round, effectively leaping over many contenders in the process.

Unexpectedly, spectators found a compelling reason to watch women’s flyweight divisions. There was an energetic, powerful contender with finishing skills rarely seen in a division often criticized as one of “decisionators”. If she claimed the title, it was believed that a new golden era would begin.

Despite the intimidating ideas thrown at her, Shevchenko remained unfazed. This became evident during the actual fight as she demonstrated her superiority – swiftly knocking down Andrade in the first round and maintaining control over her. She repeated this dominance in the second round before unleashing a series of painful elbows from the crucifix position. Eventually, an injury occurred which forced the referee to step in.

As a dedicated gamer, I felt that familiar thrill of anticipation vanish just like that. That spark wouldn’t reignite until UFC 275 the following year, when Shevchenko edged out Taila Santos in an intense battle; it wasn’t until UFC 285, however, that Grasso finally claimed her throne and my excitement was rekindled.

2024-09-12 23:43